Governor Mario Cuomo, A Conscientious Political Giant, Dead at 82

Former New York State Governor, Mario Cuomo, has died at age 82, just hours after his son’s second inauguration as governor. It is not an accident that even NY newspapers that are usually unapologetically hostile to liberals are singing Mr. Cuomo’s praises today – and each has him on its front cover, with one referring to him simply as “Super Mario”.  A consistent liberal, a highly efficient governor, a charismatic and graceful leader with a captivatingly brilliant mind, Cuomo was a governor like none that has occupied that office in almost any state in our nation since his time. Most people may remember him for his oratorical skills and his refusal to run for the Presidency of the United States despite very popular demand.  That refusal earned him the nickname “Hamlet of the Hudson”.  Personally, I will remember him as a giant who was tuned into the plight of the least among his constituents and unabashedly defended his belief that government could, and should be, used for good.  Even his opponents knew where he stood and his vision of America included all of humanity.  Certainly, Mario Cuomo was ahead of his time, and no wonder he is being universally praised today. 

I have often wondered what our nation and our world would be like today had Governor Cuomo at any time occupied the office of President of the United States.  Would he have transformed the United States with his vision, his intellect and the liberal policies that he championed – which we know to be effective?  Might he have been able to tackle poverty and brought the plight of the less privileged to the forefront of political debates in this country?  Would he have been able to teach African leaders the lesson that their parents may not have taught them – that they have responsibility to the people that they govern? Indeed, we will never know.  However, here is what I think: If his son, the current New York State Governor, Andrew Cuomo, ever decides to become half the genuine, respectable and selfless man that his father was even in politics, he too would be great and would have a chance to influence our world in more ways than his father did.  So far, indications are that Andrew Cuomo is more willing to calculate his political risks than to wear his father’s shoes and trek the giant’s exact path. 

Rest in peace, Governor Cuomo, and thank you for your committed service.